Number 46:  April 8, 2006

We are searching God’s Word for understanding concerning the event traditionally called Palm Sunday. In the last article we discussed the accounts of Jesus’ first entry into Jerusalem, an entry of judgment. Mark 11:12-19, Matthew 21:1-7 and Luke 19:45-46 continue the narrative.

Mark 11:12:

And on the morrow…

This establishes that it is the next day, the tenth of Nisan. This was the day the Passover lamb was selected. Jesus asks for two animals, an ass and a colt. The day before he rode on only one.

This fulfills the prophesy of Zechariah.

Matthew 21:1 and 2:

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 

A king was prophesied to come into Jerusalem who is “just” and “having salvation.” What greater blessings can a ruler offer? Throughout the Old Testament [II Kings 5:15,17; II Samuel 16:1-3; II Kings 5, II Samuel 16], two animals were used when a blessing was delivered.

Matthew 21:8-11:

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

The first entry involved the rejoicing of the disciples and the multitude of bystanders attracted by the news that the man who had raised Lazarus from the dead was coming. The second entry moved the whole city. Since this was the day that the Passover lamb was chosen, the whole city witnessed God’s selection of Jesus as the final Passover lamb on behalf of all of mankind.

To understand the accuracy of Palm Sunday we needed to learn about oriental customs and Old Testament prophesies. We had to read all four Gospel records recognizing time and animals. Plus, it took an understanding of how God used certain words or expressions before in His Word.